Celebrating Together: The 2024 McGill Annual Christmas Party
The 2024 McGill Annual Christmas Party was a joyous occasion, bringing together our incredible team to celebrate a year of hard work, achievements, and community impact.
Held at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, on December 7th, this tradition once again proved to be a highlight of the year for our McGill family. With holiday cheer in abundance, the evening embodied the spirit of gratitude, connection, and celebration that defines our firm.
Young Professionals Event: A Festive Prelude
McGill’s Young Professionals Group focused on helping those in need this holiday season! For the past few years, the YP group has gathered before the firm’s annual Christmas party in Asheville, and this year was no different. The group partnered with Carolina Clauses to sponsor a local family who suffered losses due to Hurricane Helene.
Our employees came together to fulfill the family’s Christmas wishes, hosting a successful and heartwarming gift-wrapping event at the McGill Asheville Office. The event not only brought joy to the sponsored family but also exemplified the generosity and community spirit that define McGill.
Christmas Party Evening Highlights
The Christmas Party officially commenced with a warm and heartfelt welcome from Stephanie Craig, our Director of Human Resources. Forrest Westall, Principal and Director of Regulatory Relations, led the invocation, offering a thoughtful reflection on the blessings and accomplishments of the past year. The program was expertly guided by Matt Jones, Senior Project Manager from our Pinehurst Office, whose humor and charisma added a special touch to the presentation.
Throughout the evening, we enjoyed each other’s company, indulged in delicious food, and soaked in a lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter. A photo booth added to the fun, capturing memories that will be cherished for years to come.
2024 McGill Firm Highlights
President Andy Lovingood took to the stage to recount a year filled with milestones and success.
Among the highlights were:
• Welcoming new team members across various offices and disciplines. Each new hire has brought fresh ideas and talents that have enriched our McGill family. We even played a fun new hire game to help our employees get to know their new coworkers!
• Celebrating the arrival of several new McGill babies, who remind us of the joy and promise of new beginnings.
• Honoring the exceptional dedication and tenure of team members who reached significant career milestones:
10 Years of Service
Carrie Cranwill, Project Manager, Land Planning and Recreation, Hickory Office
Matt Oetting, Project Manager, Civil/Site, Hickory Office
Adam Waldroup, Construction Services Manager, Asheville Office
20 Years of Service
David Honeycutt, Principal and Pinehurst Office Manager
Bill Hunigan, Construction Administrator, Knoxville Office
30 Years of Service
Andy Lovingood, President
These individuals’ commitment and hard work are the foundation of our success, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions.
Recognizing Our Employees Volunteering Efforts
At McGill, giving back is more than a commitment — it’s a core value. Throughout 2024, our offices partnered with local organizations to make a difference in the communities we serve. Highlights included:
• Supporting Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army in Hickory.
• Contributing to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina in Raleigh.
• Providing assistance to Feeding Southwest Virginia in Roanoke.
These efforts reflect the heart of McGill — a team that cares deeply about making a positive impact, both at work and beyond.
Christmas Photo Contest
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was the announcement of the annual Christmas Photo Contest winner. This year, the Roanoke Office took home the title with their creative and festive submission, earning well-deserved applause and holiday bragging rights. Congratulations, Roanoke team — your holiday spirit shone bright!
A Time for Reflection and Gratitude
As the evening unfolded, it was impossible not to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the exceptional people who make McGill so special. From our newest hires to our longest-serving team members, each individual plays a vital role in our shared success. The Christmas Party was a time to honor those contributions, celebrate our collective achievements, and look ahead to the future with optimism and excitement.
Looking Ahead
As we bid farewell to 2024, the Annual Christmas Party served as a beautiful reminder of the strength, resilience, and camaraderie that define McGill. Together, we’ve achieved incredible things this year, and we’re poised to do even more as we continue to shape communities and serve our clients in 2025.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to all McGill team members for your dedication, passion, and hard work.
